Lee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a “critical incident” near a Bank of America branch in south Fort Myers. According to initial reports from LCSO, the suspect involved in the incident has been confirmed deceased.
The situation unfolded with a significant law enforcement presence, including helicopter activity, near the Bank of America located at 13099 Tamiami Trail. Witnesses reported witnessing a chaotic scene, with numerous police vehicles converging on the area.
NBC2 spoke with a woman inside the bank who recounted seeing a young man leap over the counter and claim to have a bomb. This eyewitness testimony adds context to the unfolding events and highlights the seriousness of the situation.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno issued a statement via social media, confirming the critical incident and urging media personnel to assemble at a designated location for further updates. Motorists were advised to avoid the area as law enforcement worked to address the situation.
The incident reportedly involved the suspect entering the Bank of America and making threats of explosives, leading to a heightened state of alert among bank staff and customers. Witness statements suggest that gunshots were heard within the bank premises, further escalating tensions.
Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, deploying resources to contain the situation and ensure public safety. The suspect’s claim of having a bomb attached to himself added a layer of urgency to the law enforcement response.
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In the aftermath of the incident, roadways surrounding U.S. 41 between College and Daniels parkways were temporarily closed but have since been reopened to traffic. While the immediate threat has been neutralized, police remain at the scene, conducting an active investigation to gather more information and ascertain the circumstances leading up to the incident.
